I have taken the ACT twice. The first time I got a 32 composite: English:34, Math:31, Reading:28, and Science 33. The second time I got a 28: English:31, Math:35, Reading:20, Science:24. The only reason why I want to send the second score is because I got a 35 on the math. Georgia Tech claims that it only looks at the highest section of every test and disregard the rest. However, I find it hard to believe that an admission officer would not frown upon the fact that my score went so low and that I got a 20 on the reading. What do you think I should do? Should I send them both or not?
GT Admissions is very clear about their policy on test scores and you need to believe what they say because it’s true. They are not trying to trip you up here. For ACT, Tech will throw out composite scores, reading scores, and science scores, and only consider your highest score for english, math, and combined english/writing. So send in both and stop worrying about it because you’re good here. Now move on to writing some fabulous essays.
That’s what I have always thought. However, when I emailed an admission officer to see if this is true they said “No, we will not recalculate the composite. We will look at the highest score in each section, including science and reading, of each test that you submit.” Then I asked them if they changed their policy and they said “we have always looked at the highest score in each section and will continue to do so.” This is why I’m worrying so much. Have they changed their policy? Or, do they still throw out science, reading, and the composite score?
Tech will consider only your best sub scores on the ACT and will not waste time comparing your various scores from one test to another to see if you were consistent. Send both tests.
My son is applying and I have spoken, via email, to a Georgia Tech admission counselor who told me due to changes in the ACT essay and upcoming SAT they are no longer saying they Superscore, and are changing their policy about how they equate the ACT subsections with the SAT subsections. In the past they used all 3 parts of the SAT, or the writing, math, and english/language parts of the ACT, with ACT writing being = to SAT reading and ACT english/language score being = to the SAT writing. Now they will look at the highest score in each section (still sounds like superscoring to me), including science and reading on the ACT, but not give as much weight to science and reading. We communicated via email, so I was left somewhat confused as to why they don’t call that superscoring or exactly how they will calculate standardized test score. I contacted admission office who said they will look at all subsections, but not sure how much weight they will give science. They appear to be in a middle of a change and are not clear on the new policy. My sons new ACT subsection scores from September ACT have been updated on his application, but not his writing score. GT has no explanation other than to give it time. Bottom line, send in both ACT scores, but it is not clear what parts they will use.
All I can say is as a parent of a student at Tech my child’s highest ACT score for English and Math were the only scores I saw during registration converted to an SAT score on my child’s file that the advisor had. I’d send in the scores.